By James Tyree

Hitachi Computer Products (America) is building a $15 million distribution center in Norman that will add 75 jobs and serve customers in North and South America.

A 203,000-square-foot distribution center being added to the Hitachi Computer Products campus in Norman is scheduled to be complete and occupied by mid-October.

Construction of the $15 million facility started in early February. Hitachi is moving its distribution operation from Indianapolis to Norman, and the new center is expected to add about 75 jobs to the 350 or so production positions that are already there.

The new distribution center will send products to customers throughout North and South America. Hitachi Computer Products is at 1800 E Imhoff Road. Asian distribution has been moved to Singapore.

"It will combine production and distribution and will make us more efficient in energy and cost savings," said Allen Ahlert, director of manufacturing and engineering at the Norman plant.

Ahlert said the building is scheduled to be ready for occupancy by Sept. 30 and that the moving-in process in October "will be very fast." Equipment and related expenses will add about $3 million to the buildings $15 million construction cost.

The distribution center will be LEED-certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and construction materials are being recycled whenever possible. The Korte Co. is the general contractor and LWPB Architects handled design.

Ahlert said besides storing and shipping its own products, Hitachi distribution staff also will put systems together that can incorporate products from other companies, and then ship the packages to Western Hemisphere customers.

The distribution center's move to Norman was announced in January following months of closed-door meetings between Hitachi officers, the Norman Economic Development Coalition, and city, county and state government officials.

Gov. Brad Henry and Tourism Secretary Natalie Shirley were among those who attended the groundbreaking ceremonies.